Three Peaks Blog: Snowdon
Thursday 19th June 2014
This is the first time I’ve written a blog. I write this in the hope that it will inspire others to take on challenges for whichever cause is close to them, and for whichever charity it may be for. Anything I reveal about my intentions, again I do so in the hope it will inspire others inshaAllah (Allah willing).
So where to start? I guess the beginning is as good as anywhere. Alhamdulillah (all praise to Allah), since joining Islamic Relief as a volunteer in 2011, I’ve taken up opportunities to undertake challenges and raise money for a project close to my heart. Islamic Relief’s Water4Life projects aim to provide long-term water solutions, impacting hundreds and thousands of beneficiaries wherever the projects are implemented.
This year, I did not have the intention to take on a challenge. However, after finishing fundraising for Syria in January for my late mother (may Allah grant her a high rank in Jannatul Firdaus [Paradise] – ameen ya Rabb [O Lord]), I was conscious of the approaching anniversary of the death of a close friend’s father, who sadly left this world a few years ago. May Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala – Gloried and Exalted is He) forgive him, and also grant him a high rank in Jannatul Firdaus – ameen ya Rabb.
At first, I decided to donate a small amount to Islamic Relief’s Syria Emergency fund on his behalf. Soon after, I met with a colleague from Islamic Relief Worldwide, who informed me of a climb taking place in Ireland raising money for Islamic Relief’s Water4Life projects. I decided to register right away and do the climb as a means of Sadaqah Jariyah (continuous charity) for my friend’s father, but soon after decided that it was a perfect opportunity to turn this into my very own Four Peaks challenge!
I trekked up Mount Carrauntoohil (Ireland) back in March. Alhamdulillah, I managed to complete the climb, and have been in training since then for the remaining Three Peaks: Ben Nevis (Scotland), Scafell Pike (England) and Snowdon (Wales). I hope and pray that Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) accepts this from me on behalf of my friend’s father, and grants him the full reward. May Allah make this a means of Sadqah Jariyah until the Day of Judgement – ameen ya Rabb.
Friday 20th June, 4:30pm
After what has been a busy day of packing and sending out another round of emails and WhatsApp messages, in the hope of raising more money, we have finally set off for Mount Snowdon in Wales. I prayed jumu’ah (Friday prayers) and had a meal with Fraze, Belal and Harris earlier in Birmingham. Fraze, an Islamic Relief volunteer from Birmingham, has kindly volunteered to drive us around and will be staying with the van while the rest of us climb. Belal will be guiding us up the mountains, and Harris is the other participant on this climb. Belal reminded us as we left to renew our intentions, making sure that our intention for doing this is primarily for the sake of Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala), with any other intentions secondary.
Comparing it to last year, this year’s Three Peaks challenge is a bit different for me. We’re doing the climbs in reverse order with Snowdon first, then on to Scafell Pike, with Ben Nevis last. There will be no comfortable sleep overnight in a hostel or hotel this time either – we’re heading straight to Snowdon, then on to other mountains right afterwards. Getting as much sleep in this seven-seater van between climbs is going to be crucial to keeping myself physically and mentally well rested. Also unlike last year, when I had several climbs under my belt before taking on the Three Peaks, I have only climbed one mountain in Ireland in March this year.
The sun is trying to force its way between the clouds. I pray that the weather holds up. This is it from me for now – time for reflection and du’aas (supplications to Allah) as a traveller’s prayer is readily accepted inshaAllah.
7:43pm
It’s been a beautiful trip up to Snowdon. SubhanAllah (glory be to Allah), everything seems different and more beautiful at this time of day. We managed to get about an hour’s sleep on the way here, I think. We’ve refreshed and prayed ‘Asr. There’s nothing like praying outdoors surrounded by so much natural beauty, alhamdulillah! The sun is still out but it’s nippy, with some wind. It’s time to renew our intentions and set off up the miner’s path. Bismillah (in the name of Allah).
9:26pm
We just stopped to rest for our first break. Alhamdulillah we have done amazingly well. So far we’ve been trekking for 1 hour 40 minutes and we’re two-thirds of the way up. Unfortunately, for the last few years my body hasn’t been able to cope with sudden temperature changes, and I’m starting to feel unwell as the temperatures have dropped. Unwell or not, I’m very determined to complete this by the Grace of Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala).
10pm
Alhamdulillah we’ve just reached the summit. The sun has started to set and during the last stretch the views have been amazing. It’s very windy up here, and it’s an effort to stay standing. We managed to get a quick picture taken of us by another group. By Allah, Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) has made this so easy for me; I’m just lost for words. It’s as if He has shortened the path for us. I’ve done this route before and never have I got to the summit so quickly and found it so easy! Some parts of the miner’s route are really tough, both mentally and physically. Allah’s Hand (subhanahu wa ta’ala) has surely been in this climb.
11:26pm
Alhamdulillah, alhamdulillah, alhamdulillah! We’ve just got down from the summit, via the Llanberis path. We managed the climb and descent in around 3 hours 40 minutes – a record time for me, alhamdulillah. Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) has indeed put barakah (blessing) in this climb for us to have completed it so quickly. The views have been amazing on the way down, especially with the sun going down. All thanks and praise to Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala), Lord of the Worlds. We’re leaving shortly for Scafell Pike.
Sponsor Zak for his challenge – he’s climbing in memory of a friend’s late father – and stay tuned for the next installment!